It will keep watching
This drama was profoundly heartfelt as it captured the struggle of trauma. The focus on the various relationships was well-articulated, keeping viewers entertained and eager to know more, while also adding suspense with the company's challenges.I really enjoyed the storyline, and the casting was spot on, right down to the cameos. Great drama from Japan and Korea! Historically enemies, now allies. It's beautiful to see how nations are slowly but surely coming together through media and other means. Despite the past, growing together is as sweet and delightful as chocolate.
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I hadn’t watched a normal Japanese TV series in ages. I decided to give this one a try, and before I knew it—eight episodes later—I was done. That says a lot. 😛You can find more of my reviews on Instagram. :D See my homepage about my Instagram account. Some of my reviews are under five hundred words so I can't post them here. (*^▽^)/★*☆♪(*^-゜)vThanks!
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This review may contain spoilers
I really enjoyed this series. The whoe thing was a rather comforting watch for me. Chocolate realy does just put me in a better mood and can just soothe me in my worst moments. I thought Oguri Shun and Han Hyo Joo were really good together as Sosuke and Hana. I liked the supporting cast especially, Akanishi Jin as Hiro. I liked that each episode focused on one of the speciality chocolates and how the were made. The show had some very emotional moments for me and It broke my heart that Sosuke thought he was dirty as a child after his brother died causing his phobia of not being able to touch people. I cried a ton in episode 7 too after they read Hana's apology letter. I could relate to her phobia b/c speaking in front people has always been hard for me.
11/9/25
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Spoiler!!
Just from the synopsis, it’s clear that this isn’t an ordinary drama. It’s fiction, and it doesn’t try to hide that.People often say this drama is good, but it actually took me quite a long time to finally decide to watch it. There were a few reasons for that.
1. this is a dorama. Some people may not be used to the style and characteristics of Japanese dramas.
2. the romance here isn’t intense or overly dramatic. For some viewers it might feel slow or even boring, but in reality it’s quite touching and even exciting in its own quiet way—especially in episodes 1–6. People who prefer the more passionate style of Western romance might find it difficult to get into this kind of story.
3. the actors. Idk how popular they are in their own country, but some viewers might not find the cast particularly eye-catching. (I can assure you I’m not one of those people 🫰🌷.)
And again, this is a dorama. Some viewers may not be used to the acting style, gestures, or dialect typical of Japanese dramas. As we know, Han Hyo-joo acts very much like a Japanese character here—her speech and gestures feel similar to those of actresses in Japanese dramas.
In reality, the story itself is very simple, isn’t it? Two people who find each other and slowly complete each other’s lives. On the other hand, it’s also about the process of making chocolate—the same kind of chocolate I usually eat when I’m having a bad day. There aren’t any heavy conflicts or shocking plot twists. Unless the writer or director suddenly decides to go crazy, the ending is pretty predictable: they will end up together and live happily.
When I watched episode 2, there was a moment when they tried to hug each other in a very awkward way. The male lead was so curious about his feelings that he moved impulsively and rushed into the moment, only to become extremely nervous afterward as he tried to analyze what he was feeling. Meanwhile, the female lead was also surprised and nervous, but she realized that the hug didn’t feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, even though he was technically still a stranger. That moment really touched me, and it was when I started to truly like this drama.
As for the FL, I immediately suspected that she was a Korean actress the first time I saw her—and after checking, it turned out I was right. Since this is a dorama and her character is a Korean woman living in Japan, I think the styling suits her very well. Her hair and makeup resemble those of a Japanese girl, but her face still has that distinct Korean beauty.
At first, I actually found her acting a little funny because she was acting like a typical dorama heroine—you know what I mean. It’s different from the acting style in Korean dramas. But after a while, I started to like it. In fact, it means she adapted well to the role.
As for her Japanese pronunciation, I’m not really knowledgeable enough to judge that, so I won’t comment on it.
The setting is also beautiful. The drama shows a calm and peaceful atmosphere of Japan: delicious-looking chocolate, fresh ingredients, and very aesthetically pleasing set colors. Everything fits perfectly with the tone of the story—a gentle love story that feels sweet, comforting, and healing.
Honestly, the cinematography even reminded me a little of the Korean drama Can Love Be Translated?, but this one has a softer, more delicate Japanese style.
As I mentioned earlier, the story is warm and simple—at least until episode 7.
This is where the conflict starts to appear, and I think this is where the story becomes slightly less convincing. The female lead makes several mistakes and awkward decisions, but the characters around her seem to forgive her very quickly, and the resolution happens almost immediately. For example, when her secret is revealed, people accept it surprisingly fast and even support her. The acting in these moments also feels a bit awkward and distant. Sometimes there are pauses where the supporting characters simply smile without saying much. The conflict and its resolution only last about two episodes.
However, after thinking about it, I realized this might not be a big problem. From the beginning, the drama clearly presents itself as a fictional and idealized story. So overall, it still works.
As for the ending… I don’t want to overanalyze it. Personally, I see that part as a bit of nonsense because I couldn’t find any connection between that scene and the main plot of the story.
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Bland for a slice of life / romance crossover
This drama started out great but ended up feeling dragged out. The casting was alright, but the storytelling was lacking. It was too slow-paced even for me, and I'm slice of life genre enjoyer. Also, I can't deny my frustration towards unnecessary love triangles (especially in J-dramas), because writers somehow manage to make 90% of the show about a couple that isn’t even endgame. That being said, I have to admit this drama heavily relied on the leads’ chemistry and acting. If it weren’t forHan Hyo Joo and Oguri Shun, I probably would’ve dropped it ASAP.
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it's okay not to be okay... with chocolate
there's a particular feeling that only j-dramas seem capable of conjuring—a kind of quiet comfort and tender endearment. if you've spent any time in the world of japanese dramas, you know exactly what i mean. it's that raw, unvarnished yet light storytelling magic no million-dollar production can replicate.i've been saying for ages that we collectively need more adult-centred dramas on our watchlists, for they usually tend to handle the matters of life and love with unfiltered honesty. 'romantics anonymous' gives us two protagonists trying to carve out a place for themselves in a world that doesn't always make room for them. they eventually learn that they're okay as they are, as long as someone else truly sees and understands them.
apart from the lovely aesthetic and soothing soundtrack (like a balm to your soul, really), the narrative moves at a brisk pace and ties itself beautifully on a human level. you're invited to explore the emotional significance of chocolate, add gorgeous cinematography and just the right amount of chaos, and the whole project becomes a surprisingly heartfelt experience. it even managed to make me cry happy tears, which i count as a small win.
of course, perfection is elusive, so let's talk shortcomings. if you're someone who prioritises romance above all else, the chocolate-making is the main course, while the romance is more of a side dish. all subplots are, really. the story in itself lacks a certain tension and it could all use a bit of nuance. especially the portrayal of mental health, which, at times, feels a bit too light-hearted.
even so, 'romantics anonymous' remains the kind of drama that can gently brighten your slow evening and leave a soft smile on your face. it's lovely, a little messy, yet quietly comforting—a sort of story to remind you that it's okay not to be okay.
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LOVING these Korean-Japanese Dramas with a great plot and cast!!
After watching and absolutely LOVING What Comes After Love last year, I was pleasantly surprised to find another Korean-Japanese pairing-- and on Netflix at that.The overall story may seem cliche with the "I can't touch anyone but you" fixation, but having both leads suffer from a mental illness seems to be the point. Two people going through struggles and overcoming, or at least learning to cope with, them in healthy ways. Obviously for both characters, forming a deep connection with a significant other is a major difficulty, so honestly it was really cute seeing how they go from partners of sorts to lovers.
The visual appeal was great, but of course I expected nothing less from a Netflix production. The chocolate-making intro that changes each episode was beautiful as was the more metaphorical transition of the evolving relationships.
I am always a sucker for fast-paced romance, as a hopeless romantic, but in this case the trust they form was so meaningful I quite enjoyed the way the writers had them form a tentative bond at first.
Nothing too serious or deep, given that it's only 8 episodes, but still a great drama. 🍫💝
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Chocolate making with *awkward* slow burn on the side.
A decent drama to binge watch.This drama just EXUDES awkwardness LOL. I don't necessarily mean it in a bad way, ig Han Hyo Joo's acting in this role was just perfectly exhibited. Both characters had lots of flaws to them but overall, the drama conveyed a good meaning and the mental illnesses that were included in the drama were well written and depicted.
In terms of the story, I particularly liked how we got to explore the production and stories that come with the different chocolates in the box. I was losing interest once the story shifted to centering around the company and the competition but its wtv since it was technically only the last episode.
My low-ish rating is mainly because its just not my cup of tea. I definitely thought I would enjoy it more before watching but the awkwardness and everything was just too much for my liking. But I see the appeal.
Also, the very last scene... It felt like Kentaro Sakaguchi and Song Joong-ki's appearances were just added to boost popularity lol they could've used those last few minutes of the drama for something else tbh
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A Sweet Treat With One Very Suspicious Cocoa Bean
Romantic Anonymous is one of those quiet little dramas that initially feels like a warm cup of hot chocolate, gentle, comforting, and a little sweeter than you expect. The early episodes charmed me instantly with their soft pacing and the emotionally grounded premise of two people who struggle to exist in the world. Lee Ha-na, played with a delicate, jittery sincerity by Han Hyo-joo, has scopophobia, the fear of being looked at. For her, eye contact feels like stepping under a spotlight she never asked for. Fujirawa Sousuke played by Oguri Shun, her boss, is mistaken for a germaphobe, but his real wound runs deeper: he’s convinced he is the contamination, shaped by a childhood trauma that he’s carried into adulthood like a hidden scar. Watching these two slowly inch toward each other, awkwardly, cautiously, and sometimes hilariously, was the heart of why I fell for the drama. Their scenes together aren’t sizzling so much as they are quietly tender, shaped by tiny gestures and shy glances that never overplay themselves. Even their attempt to “practice” touch and eye contact comes with a playful self-awareness, the drama jokingly acknowledging how absurd it sounds while still giving the moment emotional weight.The romance, if you can even call it that for most of the show, isn’t the dramatic sweeping kind. It’s more about two people learning to breathe near each other without panicking. Two turtles slowly poking their heads out of their shells. It’s soft. It’s understated. It’s care-driven rather than chemistry-driven. And honestly, that worked for me. This was always a healing story more than a love story, where chocolate becomes a language, connection becomes courage, and every small step counts.
But then episode 7 happened, and the tonal shift was so abrupt it felt like someone swapped the script with the outline of a completely different show. Suddenly we were in Bali looking for “rare cacao beans,” and in the most spectacularly convenient twist imaginable, the first random restaurant the characters entered just happened to be owned by the exact farmer they needed. I sat there blinking at the screen like my brain had blue-screened. This kind of deus ex machina shortcut is my personal storytelling kryptonite, and it broke my immersion instantly. One drop of that plot convenience landed in my emotional milk and dyed the whole thing grey. I hit the eject button so fast I thought that was the end of it. And normally, for me, it would be. Once I emotionally disconnect from a drama, that’s usually permanent.
But strangely, and I still don’t fully understand why, I came back the next day and picked up the final episode. Maybe it was lingering fondness for the characters, maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was the emotional momentum from the early episodes that hadn’t fully faded. Whatever the reason, I found myself giving the show one last chance. And to my surprise, the finale didn’t just pull itself together, it actually returned to the emotional spine that made the drama charming in the first place. The chaos of Bali slipped into the background, and the story refocused on what truly mattered: Hana finding the courage to step into the world a little more boldly, and Sousuke deciding to protect the chocolate shop not for business or legacy, but because he finally understood what it meant to bring happiness to others. Their personal arcs came full circle in a way that felt sincere and grounded, like the drama remembered exactly what it promised at the beginning and honored it.
The ending isn’t extraordinary, but it is emotionally honest. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and thematically consistent with the gentleness of the early episodes. No fireworks, no grand romantic declarations, just the inevitability of two people who are a little braver, a little healthier, and finally able to look at each other without flinching. That kind of closure, for this kind of story, is enough.
In the end, Romantic Anonymous isn’t a masterpiece and it’s not aiming to be one. It’s a warm, cozy little drama that stumbles hard in one episode but still finds its footing in the finale. If you enjoy soft emotional storytelling, awkward healing arcs, and characters who feel genuinely human in their frailty, it’s well worth watching. Just be prepared for one detour that may test your patience. For me, the journey, even with its flaws, ended on a satisfying note.
I know I don't usually do numerical scores anymore, but I’d give it a solid, warm high 7 out of 10.
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Perfect binge watch for the weekend!
Romantic Anonymous was a series I binge-watched in a single day. It’s been a while since I’ve watched something like this, so I spent the week I had off catching up on shorter, fast-paced dramas—and this one was at the top of my list!The story begins with Hana Lee, who struggles with anxiety and can’t look people in the eye. Our male lead, Fujiwara Sosuke, is a germaphobe. Both deal with their own challenges on a daily basis, but they share one thing in common: they both love chocolate. They end up working at the same place, and as they spend more time together—especially while trying to save La Sauveur after the owner’s passing—they slowly begin to fall for each other.
Below are some things I loved about the drama:
• The cast!
It feels like a collision of worlds. I grew up watching C-drama, lakorn, Bollywood, Jdorama, and K-drama, so seeing actors from different industries collaborating feels like a dream come true. I love every moment of it, and I’m so glad we’re seeing more Japanese actors working alongside Korean actors.
• Akanishi Jin’s return.
This deserves its own mention. Seeing Akanishi Jin acting again makes me so happy even nostalgic. The last time I saw him was during his idol days with KAT-TUN. If you know, you know what happened back then, and it’s been a while since we’ve seen him in a drama.
• The meaning behind each chocolate.
One thing I love about J-dramas is how they often focus on more than just the romance. Here, the emphasis is on the chocolate and the personal stories behind each piece. Because of this, each episode was unique and fun to watch.
Romantic Anonymous is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and appreciates stories where even small things carry special meaning. There’s a sweet love line between the leads (and a second couple!), and the cast—many of whom are longtime industry veterans—makes the storytelling even stronger. I totally recommend this as a weekend watch if you want something quick, warm, and satisfying… because that’s exactly how I enjoyed it!
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honestly so refreshing and cute
Romantic Anonymous is easily one of the cutest and most memorable romcoms of 2025.What sets it apart is the way it handles deeper themes, especially mental health, with sincerity rather than heaviness.
The story remains light, engaging, and incredibly bingeable I couldn’t stop watching. It balances sweetness authenticity and emotional depth in a way that feels both comforting and beautifully real.
It’s the kind of series you can enjoy without stress yet it still manages to resonate long after the credits roll.
Overall a genuinely heartwarming watch filled with charm and heart.
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Really good for as far as lighthearted romance goes
I had to write a review because all the reviews about this were so one sided and hateful. It's like people really took this show personally for some reason and I'm not sure why.I understand why some people might not love it. It was not a very eleborate love storyand had lots of plot points going on at once.
But it really gave me 2010-2017 K- drama era vibes which I really missed. Even though it was a J drama ( I think it might have been a joint production, I'm not sure). I think its the way they flushed out the characters and drove the plot, that reminded me of that era's style ( which I personally loved!). The character development was quite good and the plot was explored in a very balanced way considering it was so short.
It was a little goofy and very " romcom logic" with cliche tropes/ plot motives sometimes. But I expect that from this flavour of a show?
As for the psycology portion of the show, I'm not sure how accurate it was for it's specific disorders. But as someone who regulary sees a clinical psycologist and has met somone with diagnosed agaraphobia, I thought the represation didn't feel misalgned to me and actually made me feel sympathy towards people's unique mental health struggle's through it's potrayal.
And the cinematography and concept execution was jaw dropping in my opinion. On my next visit to Japan, I now have new bucket list chocolates and spots to try! It really inspired me, and made me reflect on why and how people may connect and face their limits. A definite must watch for a light/ binge drama!
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